Yes, I know, again with the time lapse between updates, but I’ve got a good one to start off June. It’s cookies! Everyone loves cookies, right? I’ve been playing with lavender for the past month or so, which is one of those perfect springtime flavors. Yes, lavender is most likely to evoke memories of Grandma’s [...]

Tags: baking, chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, cooking, dairy-free, lavender, non-dairy, pastries
Filed under: chocolate, cooking, food, food porn, recipes, snacks

I went on something of a cooking bender this weekend, which might have something to do with the fact that spring is in the air and the Farmer’s Markets are starting to reappear in the city. My produce share from Edible Alchemy this week was overflowing with delicious goodies and since I’ve got a busy [...]

Tags: experiments, fresh produce, hazelnuts, nutella, quiche
Filed under: chocolate, cooking, food, hobbies, recipes

Come Saturday afternoon, some 2000+ Chicago bacon enthusiasts (including yours truly) will descend upon the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavillion to spend three hours wandering a smokey, salty, porktastic wonderland, featuring bacon-themed dishes by 50 of Chicago’s best restaurants, a bacon booze bar and exhibition hall of purveyors of all things bacon. I’m beyond excited (and [...]

Filed under: bacon, Chicago, chocolate, cooking, festivals, food, food porn, hobbies, press, restaurant

Check it out – I was interviewed by the Bacon Du Jour blog about my entry for the Chicago Baconfest cook-off. Thanks, Bacon Du Jour! The blog is running interviews of all six contestants, so it’s definitely been interesting getting a peek into the minds of my competitors. I’d be lying if I said I [...]

Tags: bacon chocolate, blog, Chicago Baconfest, cook-off, interview
Filed under: bacon, Chicago, chocolate, cooking, festivals, food

Just in case you haven’t been paying attention, I kind of have a thing for bacon. I also love cooking. So naturally, I threw my hat into the ring for this year’s Baconfest Chicago’s Amateur Cooking Contest (sponsored by Nueske’s Bacon). On the line: 2 free tickets and the chance to compete for bragging rights [...]

Tags: bacon, Baconfest Chicago 2011, cake, chili pepper, chocolate, contest, dessert, flourless, recipe, spice, torte
Filed under: bacon, Chicago, chocolate, cooking, festivals, food, food porn, recipes, teaching

If it’s not apparent by now, I’m obsessed with cooking. It’s not for nothing that negotiations often take place over food because few things generate a sense of contentment and congeniality more than a good meal. I love how the preparation and enjoyment of food brings people together and creates connections where previously there may [...]

Tags: ancho, candy, Chicago, chili, chipotle, chocolate, dessert, Edible Alchemy, education, ganache, handmade, learning, local food, non-dairy, non-soy, nuts, seminar, series, spicy, teaching, treats, truffle rolling, truffles, workshop
Filed under: Chicago, chocolate, cooking, food, hobbies, local spot, recipes, snacks, teaching